TIguan MY 2012 - Chrome window trims

[Mister_E]

Hi all,

The Australian MY2012 TSI 155 Tiguan comes standard with Chrome window trims. Just wondering if it's possible to order it on other models here in AUS as an accessory? Can one request through the dealerships or is it just a case of, if you want Chrome you have to buy the 155 TSI?

In Europe, it appears that all models come standard with chrome trimming to window frames. It just appears they went cheap when they brought the Tiguan 2012 to Aus.

[aussietig]

Look in the brochure, I'm sure it'll say!

But more likely than not, you're going to pay a lot more than what it's worth!

Perhaps even push you back a bit on the production line.

[Mister_E]

Look in the brochure, I'm sure it'll say!

But more likely than not, you're going to pay a lot more than what it's worth!

Perhaps even push you back a bit on the production line.

I did ask the dealership and basically in AUS, you need to get the TSI 155... which is considered the top of the line... Just really disappointed because in all the European photoshoots and specs, the MY 2012 Tiggy's get high resolution MFD's and across the board, chrome window trims. To me, it just gives the Tiggy that extra bling in a classy way

[tigger73]

I did ask the dealership and basically in AUS, you need to get the TSI 155... which is considered the top of the line... Just really disappointed because in all the European photoshoots and specs, the MY 2012 Tiggy's get high resolution MFD's and across the board, chrome window trims. To me, it just gives the Tiggy that extra bling in a classy way

Yes agree regarding chrome trims finishing off the vehicle. I bought a black 2011 125TSI and tried fitting aftermarket trims on and failed (the trims came from China and were for the LWB version sold there). Also using doublesided tape on the rubber surrounds is problem in itself.

I also investigated whether you could fit the original chrome trims to the "unchrome" vehicle with black rubber surrounds, however it would be a major job and quite expensive as it's not the trim it's the entire moulding that you would have to change.

The answer is if you want the chrome trims you have to buy top of the line model in Australia. It is the same for the pre-2012 models as the 147TSI was the only one that came with chrome trims.

And yes it's a fair hike just for chrome trims. If you're dead set on them you may like to haggle on the price for the dealer to fit the 155TSI spare part window mouldings with chrome to a lower spec model.

Good luck! And if you find a solution please let me know (that is other than shelling out for the 155).

[Mister_E]

Yes agree regarding chrome trims finishing off the vehicle. I bought a black 2011 125TSI and tried fitting aftermarket trims on and failed (the trims came from China and were for the LWB version sold there). Also using doublesided tape on the rubber surrounds is problem in itself.

I also investigated whether you could fit the original chrome trims to the "unchrome" vehicle with black rubber surrounds, however it would be a major job and quite expensive as it's not the trim it's the entire moulding that you would have to change.

The answer is if you want the chrome trims you have to buy top of the line model in Australia. It is the same for the pre-2012 models as the 147TSI was the only one that came with chrome trims.

And yes it's a fair hike just for chrome trims. If you're dead set on them you may like to haggle on the price for the dealer to fit the 155TSI spare part window mouldings with chrome to a lower spec model.

Good luck! And if you find a solution please let me know (that is other than shelling out for the 155).

I was infact also thinking about purchasing those after market chrome trims for the MY 2011 Tigs sold in HK. How come the install was unsuccessful? Isn't the trims specifically fitted? That's what I saw on that alibaba.com website. Do you still have yours installed? Any chance of sharing the pic of the install? Thanks

In any case, even if I did purchase the 155TSI, I'm not just purchasing it for the the chrome window trims. It's the tech and spec behind a model that would differentiate it to me, and not the bling around the windows I just wished VW Aus followed the Exact euro specs across the entire range. I still want those window trims though

The dealership said they don't offer it as an option. I just have to live with it

[tigger73]

I was infact also thinking about purchasing those after market chrome trims for the MY 2011 Tigs sold in HK. How come the install was unsuccessful? Isn't the trims specifically fitted? That's what I saw on that alibaba.com website. Do you still have yours installed? Any chance of sharing the pic of the install? Thanks

In any case, even if I did purchase the 155TSI, I'm not just purchasing it for the the chrome window trims. It's the tech and spec behind a model that would differentiate it to me, and not the bling around the windows I just wished VW Aus followed the Exact euro specs across the entire range. I still want those window trims though

The dealership said they don't offer it as an option. I just have to live with it

The chrome trims that are on Alibaba and some of the other sites are for LWB version of the Tiguan sold in China. They have stretched the "standard" Tiguan (sold everywhere else in the world) by about 10cm including 5 cm longer rear doors.

Hence the trim kit fits everywhere else but the rear doors - bummer.

I did take a couple of photos of it with the trim on mainly so I could show the guy that sold me the trims the problem.

The other issue with putting trims on the rubber surrounds is that the double-sided tape doesn't stick all that well to the rubber (even though I primed the surface prior to sticking the trims). Since trying to install these trims I have asked around some other chrome places and they've said that double-sided tape to rubber can be problematic.

Some of the trims that I'd put on were peeling off 24 hours after installing. Admittedly it was a warm day and the car was sitting in the sun, but the trims were coming off on some of the places where there's complex curves. So all in all not a good experience - other than the guy that sold me the trims gave me a refund so at least I wasn't out of pocket.





---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:17 PM ----------

And in case you're wondering I bought my trims off ebay from an Australian seller. He hadn't sold any before so I was taking a bit of a punt on it. I've been looking at getting something else instead to "lift" the car a bit. I've been thinking of getting some roof racks (this is more for practicality of visiting IKEA with the kids) so perhaps some silver on the racks will help to balance things a little.

[Tigger]

Hi guys,

Yep I asked the same thing when I bought mine in 2009. I was told that in order to fit the chrome surrounds, it would involve removing and reinstalling the windows themselves...so too expensive a job, and not one that any dealer wanted to do.

But it has highlighted that VW aust should listen to the customers wishes, as I am sure most people would like the better spec as found in other markets. Shame we were not given the choice when ordering...even if we did pay for it.

[Mister_E]

The chrome trims that are on Alibaba and some of the other sites are for LWB version of the Tiguan sold in China. They have stretched the "standard" Tiguan (sold everywhere else in the world) by about 10cm including 5 cm longer rear doors.

Hence the trim kit fits everywhere else but the rear doors - bummer.

I did take a couple of photos of it with the trim on mainly so I could show the guy that sold me the trims the problem.

The other issue with putting trims on the rubber surrounds is that the double-sided tape doesn't stick all that well to the rubber (even though I primed the surface prior to sticking the trims). Since trying to install these trims I have asked around some other chrome places and they've said that double-sided tape to rubber can be problematic.

Some of the trims that I'd put on were peeling off 24 hours after installing. Admittedly it was a warm day and the car was sitting in the sun, but the trims were coming off on some of the places where there's complex curves. So all in all not a good experience - other than the guy that sold me the trims gave me a refund so at least I wasn't out of pocket.





---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:17 PM ----------

And in case you're wondering I bought my trims off ebay from an Australian seller. He hadn't sold any before so I was taking a bit of a punt on it. I've been looking at getting something else instead to "lift" the car a bit. I've been thinking of getting some roof racks (this is more for practicality of visiting IKEA with the kids) so perhaps some silver on the racks will help to balance things a little.

Wow! Much appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to share the pics. Such a pity it didn't work out as you had planned because it actually does look quite nice on the car. Guess that rules out my bling purchase.

[tigger73]

Wow! Much appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to share the pics. Such a pity it didn't work out as you had planned because it actually does look quite nice on the car. Guess that rules out my bling purchase.

Yeah we were pretty disappointed too. My wife rang up about getting the "original" VW window chrome as a spare part and it was around $1,000 for the parts plus fitting. So no wonder the dealers are shying away from it. Just wished they brought all the models out with chrome trims.

[Tigger]

ONe good thing though about NOT having the chrome surrounds is if you fit the weather shields.

If it has the chrome and the weather shields are fitted, it makes the look seem 'interupted' and broken...if you know what I mean?...

The line of chrome gets stopped by the weather shields...

I have seen a Mazda CX7 with weather shields and it looks stupid from side on....